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Polaris · NHTSA safety record

2016 Polaris Slingshot

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 25 safety complaints about the 2016 Polaris Slingshot with the US government. Of those, 2 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 person was injured and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 7 complaints, 28% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 1,900 miles, the median across the 18 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers November 2015 to October 2022 · How this is counted

What is on file

25 complaints on file

25

Complaints

2

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

1

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
POWER TRAIN 7 · 28%
SERVICE BRAKES 6 · 24%
STEERING 6 · 24%
SUSPENSION 4 · 16%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3 · 12%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 · 12%
SEAT BELTS 2 · 8%
STRUCTURE 2 · 8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 · 8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2 · 8%
WHEELS 2 · 8%
ENGINE 1 · 4%
0 4 8

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 25.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2016 at 8.

12 9 6 3
15 16 17 18 19 21 22

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2015 to 2022.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2016 Polaris Slingshot. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

19V750000 · October 18, 2019

The defect
Polaris Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Slingshot motorcycles. Excessive electrical current may damage the battery fuse holder terminals.
The risk
Damaged terminals may result in the loss of forward and rear lighting, instrument cluster gauges, or power steering assist. Any of these scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery fuse block terminals and relocate the 50 amp chassis fuse, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris's number for this recall is T-19-01.

Polaris Inc. · up to 31,987 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

18V809000 · November 15, 2018

The defect
Polaris Industries (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot, Slingshot SL and Slingshot SL LE motorcycles equipped with a backup camera. The back-up camera may fail internally, possibly melting the voltage regulator and blowing the fuse for that circuit, thereby preventing the taillight from functioning properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.
The risk
The melted voltage regulator can increase the risk of a fire. The loss of a tail light can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the back-up camera, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2019. Owners may contact Polaris at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-04.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 11,371 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS

18V195000 · March 26, 2018

The defect
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling all 2015-2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycles. The driver-seat and passenger-seat seat belt and seat back anchoring bracket may have been improperly welded. Additionally, differences in the seat assembly may prevent proper latching of the seat slider, allowing the driver's seat to move unexpectedly.
The risk
If the seat belt buckle or seat back detach from the seat base, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. If the driver's seat unexpectedly moves, it can cause the driver to lose control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt bracket and seat back welds, and the seat slider latching function. If the weld is missing or incomplete, or if the slider doesn't latch properly, the seat bases will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-01.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 24,235 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

17V357000 · June 1, 2017

The defect
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Slingshot vehicles. The affected vehicles previously had their rear swingarms replaced during the remedy of NHTSA recall number 16V-255. The replacement swingarms may have been installed without the sealing grommets installed, potentially resulting in road debris contaminating the rear wheel speed sensor.
The risk
Contamination of the rear speed sensor will disable the ABS and Traction/Stability Control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the swingarms for missing grommets, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2017. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-888-704-5290. Polaris' number for this recall is T-17-04.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 8,962 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

16V755000 · October 19, 2016

The defect
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured March 4, 2014, to September 7, 2016. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a swing arm that has insufficient strength.
The risk
Due to the insufficient swing arm strength, the swing arm may fracture resulting in a loss of momentum or vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and repair or replace the swing arm, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-16-06.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 17,572 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

16V754000 · October 18, 2016

The defect
Polaris Idustries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured March 4, 2014, to October 7, 2016. The affected vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the fuel line and the hood structure.
The risk
The insufficient clearance may allow the fuel line to rub against the hood until it leaks fuel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will replace the replace the engine fuel line, and inspect the retention clips to reduce the risk of interference, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-16-03.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 17,795 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

16V752000 · October 18, 2016

The defect
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured December 28, 2015, to April 27, 2016. The brake pressure switch may have been over tightened in the affected motorcycles.
The risk
Over tightening of the brake pressure switch may damage the seal, allowing brake fluid to leak, resulting in reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will install new brake pressure switch seals, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-16-02.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 6,860 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

15V777000 · November 20, 2015

The defect
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured April 21, 2014, to October 22, 2015, Slingshot SL motorcycles manufactured April 28, 2015 to October 23, 2015, and Slingshot SL SE motorcycles manufactured December 15, 2014, to October 22, 2015. In the affected motorcycles, the headlight relay may fail and result in a loss of headlights.
The risk
A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single headlight relay with a circuit that uses two headlight relays, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Slingshot customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is SLI-15-05.

Polaris Industries, Inc. · up to 9,182 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Seatbelt Retractor Failure

PE17005

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened September 18, 2017 · closed March 25, 2019 · led to recall 18V531000

the seat belts

See attached closing resume summary.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · crash · 1,500 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PORALIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND SEIZED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURED HIP THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DEALER INFORMATION WAS UNAVAILABLE) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SWING ARM WAS FAULTY. THE SWING ARM WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.

NHTSA complaint 11012388. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

fire · towed · 2,580 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FLAMES NEAR HIS FEET. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,580.

NHTSA complaint 10904508. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Driver side.. brake doesnt stop ,can feel it in brake pedal,constantly filling up resorvoir..also stays accelerated when coming to a stop..there is recalls on issue

NHTSA complaint 11490906. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

1,200 miles

The contact owns a 2016 Polaris Slingshot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH, the power steering failed, and the vehicle drove onto a sidewalk without warning. The contact called the manufacturer and referred him to a local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month. The contact was informed that the battery was replaced. The contact stated that upon return of the vehicle, the turn signals failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

NHTSA complaint 11437793. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE RIDING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RPMS SUDDENLY REVVED HIGH AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CYCLE SPORTS CENTER (4001 N. JOHN YOUNG PKWY, ORLANDO, FL) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED, BUT THE CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA complaint 11278823. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

2,500 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE RESERVOIR SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED TO RELEASE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. A BYSTANDER ASSISTED AND CUT THE CONTACT OUT OF THE SEAT BELT WITH SCISSORS. THE CONTACT SPRAYED THE BASE OF THE SEAT BELT WITH LUBRICATION BEFORE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOEWER POWERSPORTS & EQUIPMENT (5909 COLISEUM BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71303, (318) 487-9495) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RESERVOIR SEAT BELT LATCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint 11257332. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1,800 miles

2 LARGE REAR METAL ANGLE REFLECTORS ATTACHED WITH DOUBLE SIDED TAPE 1 DETACHED FROM BODY THANKFULLY WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. METAL ANGLES ARE NOT SECURED TO FRAME ADEQUATELY. COULD CAUSE DANGER TO MOTORIST BEHIND VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint 11228727. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4,335 miles

DURING NORMAL DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DAY/NIGHT, THE POLARIS SLINGSHOT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD FAIL AND LOST OF ALL LIGHTING VISIBILITY FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS DRIVING BEHIND ME WOULD RANDOMLY HAPPEN MAKING ME A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE ROAD. THE REAR WIRING HARNESS FUSE BOX BURNS OUT RANDOMLY GETTING VERY HOT AND SPARKING WHILE DRIVING AND BURNING OUT THE PLASTIC ON THE FUSE BOX.

NHTSA complaint 11204082. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Polaris Slingshot

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2017 10 9 —
2015 36 9 3

Every Polaris on this site — 3 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst